ABSTRACT
This chapter will discuss different kinds of mechanical corrosion of steel in concrete structures. There are two main reasons for corrosion of steel in concrete: chloride attack and carbon dioxide penetration, which is also called carbonation. These two processes cause corrosion of steel, but they do not influence corrosion of steel in concrete directly. Instead, there are other reasons, such as the presence of certain chemicals inside the concrete and voids that affect the steel. Moreover, some acids, such as sulfate, can attack the concrete and cause concrete deterioration and corrosion of steel and then break concrete alkalinity around steel bars.
When acids attack concrete, there is an impact on steel reinforcement. The main factors that cause corrosion in reinforced concrete structures exposed to carbon dioxide or chlorides are discussed here, as well as the basics of corrosion and how they apply to steel in concrete, corrosion rate, and corrosion effects on spalling of concrete.
